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Barn finds are some of the greatest treats for automotive enthusiasts, as there’s seldom a story as triumphant as the discovery of a classic automobile that has stood the test of time, banished to shadows, and hidden away for years, if not decades. And the latest noteworthy discovery involves the uncovering of a 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500, which had been sitting in a local Colorado ranch for years.

According to reports, Rich Barnes was visiting the once-booming mining town of Central City, Colorado when a stranger noticed his Ford jacket. The stranger would turn out to be a heck of a guy, slipping Barnes a lead on a classic Mustang that was supposedly abandoned at the OK Corral ranch whose owner, Rodger Hall, had recently passed and his family was liquidating the entire property. Hall had been a Mustang guy his whole life, but the Shelby Mustang GT500 was left sitting forgotten after some tinkering on the electrical system.

As the stranger continued telling Barnes about the vehicle, he noted it was painted “blue with white stripes.” At the time, the only Mustangs to receive the stripe treatment were true Shelbys. With his interest piqued, Barnes took a ride out to the abandoned ranch, and upon arrival stood in awe as he took in the pony’s 428 Police Interceptor big-block with dual four-barrel carburetors and the correct oval air cleaner. What he saw was a true Shelby GT500.

With only minor rust and body damage, Barnes deemed the car worthy and shot the son and daughter of the deceased owner an offer. Shocked at just how much the car was worth, they immediately accepted.

“They were kind of shocked and surprised that the car was possibly worth that much”, said Barnes, adding, “I could have probably gotten it for a little less money, but I didn’t want to insult anybody or come across like I’m trying to rip them off or hurt their feelings.”

And now, he’s one lucky owner of one epic pony. Congrats to him!

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— Sean Szymkowski

Sean is a staff writer for GM Authority and Motrolix. When's he's not busy taking in local automotive culture, he's probably detailing his car.